For local businessman Paul Pennacchi, the seeds of philanthropy were planted at an early age by his father, Anthony.
"I remember my father saying, 'There are two types of people in this world: givers and takers. Which one are you going to be?' That stuck with me my whole life, and from that point on, I always tried to make a difference in someone's life." Paul Pennacchi
As president of Anthony Pennacchi & Sons Masonry Restoration Company, Hamilton, he has certainly worked over the years to make a difference in Mercer County and beyond.
In addition to serving as head of the family business, founded by his father in 1947, Pennacchi is also a member and signatory contractor with Bricklayers Union Local 5 and 6 of New Jersey and Local 1 of Philadelphia. The business has restored religious, historical, and government structures, many in the Diocese of Trenton, and has expanded into Bryn Mawr, Pa., and New York City.
While the business has extended, Pennacchi's heart remains close to the community from which he hails.
"You never forget your roots. You always remember the people and places that have changed your life." Paul Pennacchi
As a result, he has devoted much of his time to supporting local organizations, including but not limited to the Knights of Columbus, the Mercer County CYO, Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, and parishes in the Diocese of Trenton.
He recently worked with the Mercer County Police and Fireman's Foundation for Families, a board in which he operates as a member of the Chairman's Advisory Committee, to raise funds for a Hamilton West High School graduate whose mother died protecting her daughter when their house collapsed in July 2018.
The young woman plans to attend the University of Virginia in the fall.
Pennacchi and his wife, Rosina, are parishioners of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, but he jokes that he "feels as though he belongs to every parish" since his business has serviced many churches in the Diocese. During the holidays, he donates the Christmas decorations for Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, the faith community his family belonged to during his youth.
Pennacchi has also been a longtime supporter of Trenton Catholic Academy, formerly known as McCorristin Catholic High School, from where he graduated in 1985.
"It was such a great experience. I loved my teachers and my time there. I am more than happy to help the school." Paul Pennacchi
This past May, Pennacchi donated funding for billboards in Hamilton and Trenton congratulating TCA's Upper and Lower School graduates. For the 2020-2021 school year, he is "adopting a student," funding a full scholarship for an Upper School student, an educational opportunity he believes sets the foundation for future success.
"I've been involved with the Knights for so long because I believe in the organization. We do a lot of good work for the Church and the community. We're a Catholic organization, and we do a lot of charitable work. I enjoy being a part of it." Paul Pennacchi
Pennacchi, who was raised in Trenton and is a graduate of Trenton Catholic Boys High School, has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for more than 40 years. He is a fourth-degree Knight and past Grand Knight of Hamilton Council 6213, and has served as a trustee for the past 15 years.
"I believe in Catholic education. I believe in what TCA stands for. I believe in the mission of the school, which is to educate children in a Catholic environment. I believe in giving back to the community." Paul Pennacchi
Michael Knowles, TCA president, extended appreciation to Pennacchi and all the school's benefactors.
"Paul lives the mission of service to others. We are grateful that he continues to give back to the school community that made a difference in his life. Sister Dorothy Payne, our late president, always said, 'We are here for systemic change.' Paul is a change agent and truly a blessing to TCA." Michael Knowles, TCA President
